§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has concerning the incidence of hydatid diseases; what action he is currently taking to monitor the disease; and what research his Department is conducting or funding into it.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonHydatid (tapeworm) infestation is not notifiable but slaughterhouse monitoring suggests 13W that, nationally, about 3 per cent. of sheep may be affected, although the problem is greater in Wales, particularly in Powys. The condition results from the ingestion by sheep of the eggs of the dog tapeworm by direct transfer from dog faeces or through contaminated food or water. The Ministry, in conjunction with the Welsh Office Agriculture Department, has undertaken a six-year control programme in Powys in which all dogs have been de-wormed at six-week intervals free of charge. This has resulted in a significant reduction of hydatid infestation. The Department is not currently funding research into hydatid.